The Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) is proud to host the second annual K–12 and Beyond: Advancing Teaching and Learning Conference on October 25th, 2025. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s conference reaffirms CAPA’s ongoing mission to enhance educational quality in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond.
The Conference brings together local and international educators, education leaders, educational technology experts, curriculum designers, academic researchers, and policymakers. The conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing effective instructional practices, technology integration, and solutions that address today’s educational challenges.
Through interactive and hands-on workshops, participants from K–12 settings, universities and accreditation and governmental institutions, will engage with proven strategies that empower teachers, foster learner agency, and strengthen classroom instruction and management. The Conference focuses on real-world application, with workshops designed to offer concrete up-to-date tools and best practices aimed at optimizing both teaching and learning experiences.
By fostering life-long learning, CAPA continues its commitment to professional advancement and educational transformation, ultimately benefiting students and their future success in a rapidly evolving world.
The Conference is being organized by a dedicated Committee that has worked diligently to design an effective and goal-oriented conference. Members of the Committee will be available throughout the conference to facilitate discussions. Members include:
Loucine Hayes
Conference Chair
Omeed Eido
Conference Manager
Araxi Thomas
Conference Manager
Avan Balatay
Information Desk
Mohammed Salih
Design
Dilveen Mala
Marketing
Berivan Othman
Operations & Logistics
Samyan Abdullah
Information Technology
Eman Khalid
Operations & Logistics
The Conference focuses on practical solutions that empower both educators and learners. Rather than broad or abstract discussions, workshop sessions delve into the application of teaching methods, up-to-date educational tools, and effective classroom practices. Whether managing mixed-ability groups, integrating AI into instruction, supporting student well-being, or improving assessment, every session is designed to offer concrete takeaways.
Participants will gain inspiration, hands-on strategies, and connections to a strong network of professionals committed to advancing education.
- How can teaching methods help to meet today’s students’ needs?
- What strategies, tools, and practices can lead to deeper learning?
- How can educational leaders support both educator growth and student success?
- instructional design and purposeful lesson planning;
- strategies for fostering active student participation;
- integration of educational technologies and AI tools;
- differentiated instructions and teaching in mixed-ability and inclusive classrooms;
- formative assessment techniques;
- motivating students through autonomy, relevance, and creativity;
- supporting student well-being, resilience, and emotional intelligence;
- encouraging student agency and deeper learning;
- culturally responsive teaching and learner identity; and
- alternative models of traditional assessment.
“Advancing Teaching and Learning”
This year’s theme highlights practical, up-to-date methods for improving instruction and student outcomes. It reflects CAPA’s mission to move education beyond theory, into classrooms and communities, where real impact happens.
Participants will explore critical questions such as:
The Conference workshops will model effective teaching and learning approaches, backed by research and shaped by regional experience.
Workshops will focus on:
The day will begin with an inspiring keynote on advancing and redefining teaching and learning and conclude with a forward-thinking panel discussion featuring educators from diverse educational settings.
- equip educators with innovative, research-based strategies to enhance instructional quality and student engagement;
- showcase technology and AI tools that support teaching, assessment, and personalized learning;
- enhance Student-Centered Learning by highlighting the importance of differentiated instruction, and personalized education pathways;
- promote inclusive, student-centered practices that foster agency, autonomy, and differentiation;
- build a collaborative platform for professionals to exchange ideas, strengthen networks, and drive institutional improvement;
- encourage evidence-based decision-making in curriculum development and educational leadership;
- support professional development through exposure to diverse teaching methodologies and classroom models;
- Foster professional development & collaboration by providing a platform for educators, researchers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and best practices; and
- inspire ongoing educational innovation by highlighting success stories and pilot initiatives from across the region and beyond.
The CAPA is calling all educators who are passionate about advancing education at all levels, particularly in the K-12 sector and higher education. These include but are not limited to:
- K-12 teachers and instructional coordinators;
- education administrators and policymakers;
- curriculum and teaching materials developers;
- educational technology specialists;
- applied linguists and language researchers;
- teacher trainers and professional development providers;
- university faculty and staff;
- community educators and program coordinators;
- assessment Specialists;
- postgraduate students, and
- students and aspiring English language learners; and
- educational NGOs and stakeholders committed to advancing education in Kurdistan.
Date: Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Time: 09:00 to 18:30
Location: The American University of Kurdistan, Zakho Rd. – Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Mode of the conference: In-person
Registration
Kindly register through the link below:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am – 10:00 am | Registration |
| 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:30 am – 11:00 am | Keynote Address |
| 11:00 am – 11:20 am | Coffee Break and Networking |
| 11:20 am – 1:45 pm | Concurrent Workshops – Round 1 + Roundtable Discussion |
| 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm | Lunch Break |
| 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm | Concurrent Workshops – Round 2 |
| 5:30 pm – 5:50 pm | Coffee Break and Networking |
| 5:50 pm – 6:30 pm | Closing Remarks |
The Conference includes both structured and informal opportunities to build professional relationships, exchange ideas, and form collaborations. Attendees can network during breaks and connect with presenters and peers from across the region.
Dedicated spaces will allow education-focused organizations to showcase their tools, services, or initiatives—encouraging meaningful partnerships and knowledge-sharing.
The CAPA invites educators, practitioners, researchers, and education professionals to submit proposals for 1-hour interactive workshops aligned with the theme of the Conference.
Workshop Format:
Each session must include an interactive or practical component. Presenters are encouraged to share practical tools, models, or strategies participants can apply in their own educational contexts.
We especially welcome proposals that:
- share tested teaching strategies or learning models;
- highlight inclusive or differentiated instructions;
- demonstrate technology or AI integration in real classrooms;
- offer assessment tools or feedback models; or
- support learner engagement, autonomy, or emotional well-being.
Submission Deadline: August 28, 2025
Submit your proposal via the following link:
Suggested Topics Include:
- Creative instructional strategies for active learning
- Authentic assessment and effective feedback
- Gamification and classroom technology
- Inclusive practices for neurodiverse or multilingual learners
- Practical applications of AI in education
- Student-centered project-based learning
- Learning beyond the classroom: service learning, mentorship, etc.
The CAPA welcomes sponsorship from organizations, institutions, publishers, and companies committed to advancing education in the region and beyond.
Why Become a Sponsor?
Sponsoring the Conference 2025 provides your organization with unparalleled exposure to industry leaders, decision-makers, and key influencers in education. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your brand, demonstrate your commitment to advancing teaching excellence, and connect with a highly engaged audience of educators and professionals.
- Your organization will gain maximum visibility among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, ensuring your brand reaches those who shape the future of education;
- By sponsoring the conference, you will demonstrate your leadership in education and professional development, reinforcing your commitment to fostering innovation in Kurdistan and beyond;
- The conference offers a valuable opportunity to connect with school administrators, university faculty, and government representatives who are actively seeking innovative solutions to enhance education;
- Whether your organization specializes in educational technology, curriculum development, publishing, or professional training, this platform allows you to present your products and services to a relevant and engaged audience; and
- Your sponsorship directly contributes to initiatives that empower teachers, enhance student learning, and drive meaningful educational reform in the region
We offer several sponsorship packages tailored to your organization’s outreach goals, including branded materials, exhibition space, program recognition, and speaking opportunities.
To discuss sponsorship options, contact us at: capa.conference@auk.edu.krd